Denver's Ship Tavern Celebrates 90 Years of Classic Nautical Dining

The iconic restaurant inside The Brown Palace Hotel has been a Mile High City institution since 1934.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:05am

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A high-contrast, brightly colored silkscreen print of a ship's wheel repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the classic nautical theme of the long-running Denver restaurant.The iconic nautical decor and timeless menu items at Denver's Ship Tavern have kept the restaurant a local institution for over 90 years.Denver Today

Located inside the historic Brown Palace Hotel in downtown Denver, the nautical-themed Ship Tavern has been serving classic tavern fare and cocktails for over 90 years. Opened in 1934 after the end of Prohibition, the restaurant features dark wood paneling, model ships, and other maritime decor that transports diners to the lower decks of a ship. The menu offers seafood staples like a popular lobster roll, as well as hearty dishes like prime rib, complemented by a selection of local draft beers and the hotel's own Brown Palace Honey Wheat ale.

Why it matters

As one of Denver's oldest continuously operating restaurants, Ship Tavern has weathered many changes in the city's dining landscape. Its longevity is a testament to its ability to maintain a loyal customer base by providing a classic, cozy tavern experience and quality, comfort-focused cuisine in an iconic setting.

The details

Ship Tavern's nautical theme is evident throughout the restaurant, from the dark wood paneling and leather couches to the model ships and ship mast with a crow's nest in the center of the dining room. The menu features seafood dishes like a lobster roll, as well as hearty classics like prime rib. Diners can also enjoy local draft beers, including the Brown Palace Honey Wheat ale made with honey from the hotel's rooftop beehives. The restaurant hosts live music on weekends and offers a popular Burgers & Brew Night on Thursdays.

  • Ship Tavern opened in 1934, shortly after the end of Prohibition.
  • The Brown Palace Hotel, where Ship Tavern is located, has been a Denver landmark since 1892.

The players

Ship Tavern

A nautical-themed restaurant located inside The Brown Palace Hotel in downtown Denver, Colorado. Ship Tavern has been in operation since 1934.

The Brown Palace Hotel

A historic hotel in Denver, Colorado with an Italian Renaissance-style exterior that has been a landmark in the city since 1892.

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The takeaway

Ship Tavern's enduring presence in Denver's dining scene is a testament to its ability to provide a timeless, cozy tavern experience that has resonated with locals and visitors alike for over nine decades. Its commitment to classic comfort foods, local brews, and a distinctive nautical ambiance have helped it weather the changes in the city's culinary landscape.